Valerie M Sipos

73, 7172 Coach Hill Rd SW

Calgary, AB T3H 1C8
siposvm@shaw.ca
403 863 1671

A seasoned Aboriginal professional with an exceptional track record for general assessment
and a keen eye for identifying growth potential. Using a consultative approach,
demonstrated expertise and effective negotiating skills in building relationships. Various
counselling related experience including diversity training, grief and loss counselling,
individual and team coaching, adult instruction, advising, program development, and career
development. Seeking an opportunity that will maximize and enhance my graduate studies
in an agency or program with a wide range of client diversity and presenting issues.

EDUCATION
Master of Counselling (in progress)

University of Lethbridge

Calgary, Alberta

Maintaining 3.71 GPA

Graduate Courses
Professional Ethics & Conduct

Cognitive & Affective Bases of Behaviour

Foundational Counselling & Conflict Resolution Skills

Counselling Issues across the Life Span

Theories of Counselling & Their Application to Client

Change

Research & Program Evaluation Skills

Biosocial Foundations of Health Psychology

Counselling Diverse Clients

General Counselling Practicum
Assessment: Processes & Application
Advanced Counselling Practicum (in progress)
Counselling Strategies & Interventions
Master of Counselling Project (in progress)

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

University of Lethbridge

Lethbridge, Alberta

Graduated BA with a 3.35 GPA and a strong emphasis in Native American Studies and HR Management

Professional Development
Careers Workshop/ Shifting Gears/ Starting a Successful Business/ Coaching Extraordinary Relations/ Total Quality
Management/ Harassment Policy Workshop/ Code of Ethics Workshop/ Achieving Extraordinary Relations/ Feedback
& Development Review Workshop/ Creating Positive Moments/ Stress: Managerial Strategies/ Presentation Skills:
Focus on Results/ Proud to be of Service/ Enhancing Customer Service/ Introduction to WHIMIS/ Standard First Aid
with CPR/Carewest Palliative Care Training

COUNSELLING RELATED EXPERIENCE

Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre

Calgary, Alberta

As a Master of Counselling practicum student I am providing individual, couples, and group counselling as a resource
in the aftercare program for members of the families having previously been in programming at a long term
addictions treatment center for adolescents. In a diverse range of presenting issues including identity development,
relational, grief and loss, conflict, and effective communication I provide a safe and comfortable environment to
promote and enhance wellness and sustainable change for my clients.
Mount Royal University, Iniskim Centre

Calgary, Alberta

As a life coach I interfaced with approximately 500 students of Aboriginal ancestry expressing a struggle or
confusion, in person (drop in or by app), via telephone/email and/or in small groups. Particular attention given to
students in poor academic standing. Engaged in the following capacities:
Issue or situation assessment with an emphasis on the whole student, personal & academic using a holistic
approach: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
Advocacy or referral to on/off campus supports or programming
Development of life Success Plan (the big picture)
Establishment of next steps (short term goal setting)
Clarification of University policy or process
Development and ongoing delivery of a series of culturally sensitive workshops on various topics designed to prepare
students in a holistic way for post-secondary success
Fostering external relationships for student advocacy and referral to community resources
Fostering internal relationships for student advocacy and referral to on campus resources
Coordination of center programming and support services including access to: psychological counselling, writing and
learning strategist, tutoring, quiet study times, computer lab, telephone, faxing, printing, etc.

Agap Hospice

Calgary, Alberta

As a member of the hospice palliative care interdisciplinary team, I provided comfort to residents and/or family
members through presence, conversation, and acts of support. I held buddy position which involves being with a
resident 24/7 in the final days of living. I provided respite and bereavement follow up for family members after their
loved one passed on.
In monthly volunteer team training and development sessions, shared learning gained from interactions with
residents/families, willing giving and receiving support from each other
I helped organize and participated in life enriching activities such as Wednesday High Tea, pet visits, card making
and peaceful walks in the garden. I organized and catalogued an extensive library of music for the hospice, making it
easier for residents, families, staff, and volunteers to select music of choice. I served as Editor of Hospice
Happenings, the hospice newsletter and occasionally assisted with special fundraising events

PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
Oct 2014 Present

Seniors Living Better

Jan 2014 May 2014

2002 - 2014

1982 2002

Calgary, Alberta

Palliative Caregiver (Volunteer)

TELUS Communications Inc.

Calgary, Alberta

Student Success Coordinator, Iniskim Centre

Retention Coordinator, Iniskim Centre
Aboriginal Education Program Coordinator
Instructor, Aboriginal Education Program

Agape Hospice

Calgary, Alberta

Steering Committee member

Mount Royal University

2002 - 2005

Personal Companion/Caregiver

Mount Royal University (contract)

Calgary, Alberta

Project Leader/ Education Leave

Team Manager, Personal Communications
Communikit II Presenter, Outreach Education
Service Team Assistant Manager

AFFILIATIONS
Calgary Indigenous Learners Domain (formerly CUAI) - Member
Calgary Urban Aboriginal Initiative (CUAI) Education Domain, Co-Chair
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) Student Member
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) Student Member
Mtis Nation of Alberta (MNA) - Member
Mount Royal University Social Work Advisory Committee - Member

REFERENCES
Available upon request

Lethbridge/Calgary, Alberta